Foot Pain Specialist

What is foot pain?

Your feet are marvels of engineering, containing dozens of bones and joints, and more than 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Although your feet are durable, they aren’t invincible. Over the years, the natural aging process and wear-and-tear injuries can lead to acute or chronic pain.

Some people experience ankle pain, while others suffer from pain in their heel or arches. No matter the source of your discomfort, the team at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry works with you to pinpoint the underlying cause and help you feel better. 

What types of foot pain do you treat?

The team at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry treats all types of foot pain. However, they specialize in four particular areas:

Ankle pain

Sprained ankles are the most common cause of ankle pain. If you step down in an awkward way, it can cause the ligaments around your ankle to overextend and tear. Ankle pain is usually dull and achy. You might also have trouble standing or putting weight on the affected ankle.

Heel pain

Heel pain can arise for a number of reasons, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and heel fractures. Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia – a strong band of fibrous tissue that runs from your heels to your toes – develops small tears. Over time, these tears become inflamed, causing significant heel pain first thing in the morning or after exercise. 

Flat feet

Flat feet is a postural deformity that causes the arches of your feet to collapse. It’s estimated that flat feet affect 20-30% of the general population. Without proper arch support, you’re more likely to develop bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. 

Arch pain

Arch pain refers to discomfort under the arch of your foot. If you’re experiencing arch pain, it’s likely the result of inflammation to the muscles and ligaments in the center of your foot. Some common causes of arch pain include plantar fasciitis, ligament injuries, tendonitis, and stress fractures.

How is foot pain diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose foot pain, your Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry provider physically examines your foot, reviews your medical history, and asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing. They may also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the room to look at your gait and musculoskeletal structure. If an exam doesn’t provide adequate insights, your doctor may also order X-rays or another type of diagnostic imaging. 

Treatment for foot pain depends on the severity and source of your discomfort. However, whenever possible, the team uses conservative measures of care. Depending on your symptoms, this might include physical therapy, rest, and light stretching or custom orthotics. 

For pain that persists or negatively interferes with your overall quality of life, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

To learn more about the treatment options for foot pain, make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry. Call or use the online booking tool to schedule yours today.